New Flybe flights to Edinburgh, Paris and Dublin have taken off as part of an extended 12-route network that also includes new links to Cork, Faro, Glasgow, Munich and Milan.
A 10-year deal between Flybe and the Welsh airport will bring 500,000 extra seats a year and has created 50 new jobs, including flight crew.
The regional airline will also improve frequency and capacity on existing routes to Belfast City, Dusseldorf and Jersey and on winter flights to Geneva.
The first of two 118-seat Embraer 195 aircraft has started operations from Cardiff, with a second to follow on September 1.
CityJet is withdrawing services to Edinburgh and Paris from June 29 after 18 months due to the entry of Flybe as a rival on the routes.
Airport managing director, Debra Barber, said: “Our partnership with Flybe gives the people of Wales and beyond more choice in routes, more frequent services and great value flights, as well as creating opportunities for more visitors to come to Wales.
“We have undergone a significant period of investment over the last few years to offer customers a better flying experience than ever before – and now we are thrilled to start flying to a range of new destinations too.
“The fact that Flybe will base two of its Embraer 195 aircraft here is testament to its commitment to Cardiff, and we are delighted to see 50 new jobs also created as a result of the partnership.”
Flybe chief executive, Saad Hammad, said: “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to grow and expand further the choice of routes available to those choosing to fly from Cardiff.
“It gives customers the faster, convenient and more affordable option for flying direct to and from Wales, which is far preferable than having to drive for hours to farther flung airports in England.
“Having such choices to travel to and from local regional airports is something we at Flybe consider a necessity, not a luxury.
“We look forward to all the 11 routes we are offering this summer being supported by many new customers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board in the coming months.“